Consulting Services for the Groundwater Investigation and Borehole Drilling Design across Seven Woredas (Kori, Telalak, Gerani, Elidaar, Erebti, Yalo, and Dallol). — Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project, Phase Two (LLRP II)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION) FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA LOWLANDS LIVELIHOOD RESILIENCE PROJECT – PHASE II (LLRP-II) Credit No.: 7519-ET Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for Hydrogeological and Geophysical Investigation for Groundwater Development in Seven Woredas (Kori, Gereni, Elidaar, Erebti, Dalol, Yalo and Telalak) of Afar Region Reference No .: ET-AFR-RPCU-569659-CS-QCBS The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project – Phase II (LLRP-II), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include hydrogeological and geophysical investigations to identify, assess and recommend technically feasible, sustainable, climate-resilient, environmentally sound and socially acceptable groundwater drilling sites for potable water supply and irrigation development at seven (7) locations in Afar Region, one in each of the following woredas (kebeles): Kori (Musle), Gereni (Gewili) and Elidaar (Dishoto) in Zone One; Erebti (Fiayito) and Dalol (Deriru) in Zone Two; Yalo (Gubidora) in Zone Four; and Telalak (Wayiduleli) in Zone Five. The Services comprise: review of existing information and preparation of an Inception Report; reconnaissance survey, baseline assessment and stakeholder consultation with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, women and vulnerable groups; hydrogeological mapping; geophysical surveys and their interpretation; water sampling and laboratory analysis for drinking and irrigation suitability; environmental and social screening and assessment in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), including preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs); groundwater development planning; establishment of a GIS database and maps; capacity building of Client staff; estimation of the drilling contract period; and preparation of preliminary engineering recommendations, draft bidding documents (technical specifications, drawings and bills of quantities) and the Engineer’s cost estimate for the subsequent borehole drilling works. The implementation period is three (3) calendar months from the date of commencement, and the assignment is expected to start in December 2026. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below. The Afar National Regional State, Office of the President, Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project (LLRP-II) Regional Project Coordination Unit now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: (a) Core business and years in business: the firm’s core business shall be in groundwater/hydrogeological investigation and water resources consultancy services. Provide the company profile, certificate of registration and number of years in business. (b) General experience: experience in consultancy services for water supply, irrigation and/or water resources development during the last ten (10) years. (c) Specific experience: experience in assignments of similar nature and complexity, i.e. hydrogeological and geophysical investigations for groundwater development, borehole siting, groundwater quality assessment and preparation of drilling recommendations, bills of quantities and bidding documents, preferably in arid, semi-arid or pastoral/agro-pastoral areas and under projects financed by the World Bank or other international development partners, including application of environmental and social (ESF/safeguard) requirements. For each assignment, indicate the client, location, contract value, duration, scope of services and the firm’s role, supported by contract or completion certificates. (d) Technical and managerial capability of the firm: organizational structure, geophysical survey equipment (e.g. resistivity meters for VES/ERT), GPS and field logistics, hydrogeological and GIS software, access to accredited water quality laboratories, quality assurance systems, and capacity to mobilize multidisciplinary field teams to remote areas of Afar Region. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. local time, on working days. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, in hard copy) by 29 October , 2026 at 9:00 A.M. (East Africa Time). Afar National Regional State, Office of the President Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project (LLRP-II) Afar Regional Project Coordination Unit (RPCU) Attn: Procurement Officer, Room No. 7 Semera, Afar Region, Ethiopia Tel: +251 33 666 0188; +251 98 986 6589 E-mail: afarllp@gmail.com; aidahishassen@gmail.com